Types of Plant Hormones
Plant hormones, known as phytohormones, are fundamental in coordinating growth and development in plants. These hormones regulate various functions, including cell division, elongation, dormancy, and ripening. The different types of plant hormones include:
- Auxins: Involved in cell elongation and root initiation, particularly promoting growth towards light (phototropism).
- Gibberellins: Stimulate stem elongation and seed germination, playing a vital role in growth during specific developmental stages.
- Cytokinins: Primarily promote cell division and help delay leaf aging, thus maintaining plant vitality.
- Abscisic Acid (ABA): This hormone inhibits growth and induces dormancy, particularly in response to environmental stress.
- Ethylene: Known for its role in fruit ripening, it affects various aspects of development in response to changes in the environment.
Understanding these hormones is essential for grasping overall plant physiology and their adaptation to environmental changes.